A00616 - Richard Carlson, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" Author

Richard Carlson, 45, Self-Help Author, Dies

BERKELEY, Calif., Dec. 16 (AP) — Richard Carlson, author of the best-selling “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff,” died Wednesday. He was 45.
Mr. Carlson died after falling ill while on his way to New York as part of a tour to promote his new book, “Don’t Get Scrooged,” said Julie Mitchell, spokeswoman for Harper San Francisco, Mr. Carlson’s publisher. The Contra Costa Times reported that Mr. Carlson had suffered a heart attack.
A psychologist, Mr. Carlson advocated tackling life with good humor, positive thinking and perspective.
Born and raised in the east San Francisco Bay Area, Mr. Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University and a doctorate in psychology from Sierra University.
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” was on best-seller lists for two years. Mr. Carlson went on to write 20 books, including “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff in Love,” co-written with Kris Carlson, his wife of 25 years. His latest book, “Don’t Get Scrooged,” was on how to handle holiday stress.
Survivors include his wife and their two teenage daughters, Jasmine and Kenna; two sisters, Kathleen Carlson Mowris of Olympic Village, Calif., and Anna Carlson of La Selva Beach, Calif.; and his parents, Barbara and Don Carlson of Orinda, Calif.